Frederick Sheetz worked in Hampshire County, VA. (See Gunsmiths of
Virginia by James B. Whisker, page 61.) He was
one of the gunsmiths who got contracts from the state to build rifles for the
militia prior to the War of 1812. A number of his contract rifles survive along
with a few of his civilian arms.

This rifle is a small, delicate example of his work. Unfortunately I do not
have exact measurements. When I purchased it the barrel had been shortened and
it had been converted to percussion. The photographs here were taken prior to
any restoration work.